EU Policy and Regulation

Services or networks that transmit communications electronically, whether it is wireless or fixed, carrying data or voice, Internet based or circuit switched, broadcasting or personal communication are all covered by a set of EU rules that became applicable on 25 July 2003.

The legal framework is aimed at developing and reinforcing the single market, promoting competition and safeguarding public and user interests in the electronic communications sector.

The rules are designed to be technology neutral and are intended to ensure that users get the best possible deal in terms of choice, quality and price for their standard telephone line, GSM subscription, access to the Internet and e-mail services.

Overall policy purpose

The legal framework is an essential building block of a wider EU policy aimed at developing a knowledge based society, that enables everyone to have access to information and entertainment, to get in touch with others regardless of where they are and, by many different means, to search for services and products and buy them on-line, to have access to government services, to education and health services. (see e-Europe)

Implementation and Enforcement

The first challenge ahead, is to make sure that the EU rules are implemented in a timely and consistent manner throughout the EU. The European Commission is actively engaged in verifying the transposition of the EU regulatory framework into national legal rules. It will take action when there are delays or when transposition is incomplete or incorrect. (see Implementation and Enforcement ).

Consolidating the Internal Market

Once the rules are implemented, the next challenge is to ensure a harmonised and consistent regulatory landscape in the EU electronic communications sector. This is achieved primarely through the so-called 'Article 7 notification and consultation mechanism' which gives the European Commission powers to oversee, and in certain cases veto, national regulatory measures proposed by the Member States' regulatory authorities. The ultimate goal is to achieve through co-operation at a European level an Internal Market with competitive trans-European electronic communications networks and services. (see Article 7 proceedings ).

Radio spectrum policy

The regulatory framework covers, among other things, the management of radio spectrum. Radio spectrum allows wireless communications and many new technologies and services are based on this scare resource. Radio spectrum policy aims to ensure the availability and efficient use of radio spectrum, not only for communications networks and services, but also for other policy areas such as broacasting, scientific research, transport safety, and much more. (see Radio spectrum policy)

Factsheets

112 - the single European emergency number (October 2005):
English - German - French - Spanish - Italian - Dutch - Portuguese - Swedish - Finnish - Danish - Greek

Article 7 procedures – consolidating the EU single market for electronic communications (February 2006): English - German - French

Broadband Growth in the EU

Electronic Communications : Principles of the New Regulatory Framework (September 2005)

Electronic Communications : How the New Regulatory Package Works (September 2005)

Ever cheaper phone calls

Implementation of the electronic communications: framework in the 25 Member States

Mobile Communications: Stimulating Mobile Broadband Services (January 2006)

Protecting Privacy and Fighting Spam (January 2006)

Radio Spectrum Policy: Unleashing Europe's Wireless Potential (January 2006)

More factsheets on the Information Society.

Last update: 16/06/2008